Hiring a Tennessee DUI Lawyer

What do I need to know when hiring a Knoxville, Tennessee DUI Lawyer, or TN Criminal Lawyer? Unfortunately most people charged with a Tennessee Driving Under the Influence offense or other criminal offense do not realize that the selection of a TN lawyer can be a life-altering decision. Many people charged with a Tennessee criminal offense, such as a Tennessee DUI, find themselves in the midst of the Tennessee criminal justice system for the first time in their lives and are often both overwhelmed and terrified. The worst thing a person can do is hire a Tennessee lawyer at random to handle a Tennessee criminal, DUI, or traffic case. Mr. Oberman and Ms. Compher-Rice advise potential clients to not rely solely on the biggest yellow page, television, or billboard advertisement. Your decision when hring a Tennessee DUI lawyer should be based upon careful research and reflection.

When hiring a TN DUI lawyer or Knoxville criminal attorney , you should thoroughly research your potential lawyer. Because of the serious consequences associated with a Tennessee DUI conviction or even a simple traffic citation, which Tennessee attorney you hire is one of the most important decisions you will make.

Helpful Considerations When Hiring a TN Attorney

The following are helpful resources to consult and and issues to consider when hiring a Tennessee DUI lawyer:

Determine if the Tennessee lawyer has been rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and if the rating (or that of the firm) is an “AV.” The “AV” rating represents an attorney who has legal abilities that are “very high to preeminent” (A) and whose ethical standards rate “very high” (V).

Visit the attorney’s website. Review the attorney’s biography and resume, as well as information pertaining to Tennessee laws and the criminal justice system.

It is important to contact your friends, family, employer, other attorneys who specialize in other areas of law, as well as police officers and court personnel known to you or your friends to obtain a short list of lawyers with excellent reputations.

You should also ask or consider the following questions when selecting a Tennessee attorney to handle your DUI case or DUI-related case:

Is the majority of the lawyer’s practice devoted to defending DUI or Driving Under the Influence related cases? If so, for how long has the attorney’s practice focused on this area of law?

Has the lawyer frequently lectured to his or her peers on topics relating to DUI defense?

Has the Tennessee lawyer published any books or articles on DUI defense?

Does the attorney attend seminars devoted to DUI defense to stay up to date on the legal and scientific developments in defending DUI and DUI-related cases?

Did the lawyer devote 1 1/2 to 2 hours for the initial interview? Did the attorney also explain the court procedures and elements (what the prosecution must prove) of your charge(s), and provide you with detailed information about the penalties associated with your charge(s)?

• Our Practice is Devoted to DUI or Related Cases:Because the severe consequences one faces when accused of driving under the influence and due to the complexities inherent in defending DUI cases, our practice is focused on this particular area of the law.